Kelvin “SirNare” Shani
Kelvin Shani, popularly known by his creative alias SirNare, is a Kenyan illustrator, animator, and the visionary Founder & Creative Director of SirNare Animation Studios, headquartered in Nairobi. A graduate of Gobelins, l’école de l’image in Paris, he returned to Kenya armed with world-class animation training and a mission to transform African storytelling through visual media.
Since launching SirNare Animation Studios in October 2015, Kelvin has cultivated a dynamic creative hub devoted to high-quality, innovation-driven animation and design. The studio’s ethos—embodied in its name—represents professionalism (“Sir”) and fiery creative energy (“Nare,” Kenyan slang for fire), signaling Kelvin’s commitment to igniting fresh, culturally resonant narratives in the continent’s visual arts landscape.
Under his leadership, SirNare has become a go-to studio for a diverse clientele, including NGOs, intergovernmental agencies, public sector groups, and private enterprises. Through empathy-led, efficient storytelling, the studio delivers compelling visual content that resonates across sectors without sacrificing authenticity or creative integrity.
Kelvin’s own creative practice spans illustration, motion design, photography, and conceptual storytelling. On Behance, his projects—including striking campaigns like “Zawadi Ya Maisha” (for MSI/USAID), capturing the festive and safety-conscious spirit of Kenya during the pandemic—demonstrate his ability to weave cultural narratives into impactful visual communication. Other notable works showcase Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture, celebrating the visually rich tapestry of public transport aesthetics through thoughtful, stylized illustration.
Kelvin also maintains a presence in the broader design community. He has served as a speaker at events like UDC 2023, engaging with peers across motion, UX, illustration, branding, and visual storytelling—further amplifying his influence in driving design discourse across Africa.
